There’s no shortage of reports finding traces of weed killer RoundUp’s active ingredient glyphosate in some of the most popular consumer staples like cereals, crackers, chips and oatmeal.
After all, many of these products are corn based, a crop now engineered specifically to withstand heavy spraying of the substance for industrial farming purposes.
However, a recent report finding traces of RoundUp’s glyphosate in several varieties of Ben & Jerry’s Ice Cream hits home for many consumers, due to the brand’s image as an environmentally conscience organization.
If RoundUp has permeated into our Ben & Jerry’s, is any food really safe? Recent studies have linked the herbicide’s key ingredient to non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma in farmers and workers exposed to the substance, and the company now faces thousands of injury lawsuits.
Not to worry, say critics of the report. However, as we know from the continuing debate over RoundUp’s safety, there are two completely opposite views on the issue.
Trace Amounts Found in 10 Varieties
The latest report was published by The Organic Consumers Association on July 25th, based on testing performed by Health Research Institute Laboratories. Researchers discovered found trace amounts of glyphosate in 10 out of the 11 samples of Ben & Jerry’s ice cream tested.
Peanut Butter Cookie and Chocolate Fudge Brownie showed the highest levels, while Vanilla, Half Baked, Americone Dream and Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough had the least. Cherry Garcia showed no detectable traces of glyphosate.
However, even the highest concentrated Fudge Brownie only contained 1.74 parts per Billion.
Findings Are Within EPA Limits
First, it is noteworthy that, despite their squeaky clean environmental image, Ben & Jerry’s is not made with organic or non-GMO (genetically modified organism) ingredients. Therefore, it should be no surprise that RoundUp, which is used on the majority of non-organic crops, would register trace amounts.
Second, according to the allowable glyphosate levels in food as determined by the Environmental Protection Agency, the amounts found in Ben & Jerry’s may be totally irrelevant. Based on the EPA-mandated maximum, a child would have to eat around 150,000 servings a day to be in danger.
Consumer advocates like OCA, however, point to studies suggesting even low daily intake of glyphosate may lead to fatty liver disease. And, the recent World Health Organization warning about glyphosate cancer risks could be just the tip of the iceberg.
EPA Collusion and Lawsuits Expose Possible Dangers
Plus, recently uncovered internal documents from RoundUp’s maker Monsanto show the company colluding with members of the EPA to hide the herbicide’s cancer risks. And, levels mandated in Europe are far lower. Therefore, can we really trust the EPA to have consumer’s best interests in mind?
For its part, Ben & Jerry’s says its plant-based ingredients are non-GMO, and it is working on cost-effective ways to switch to non-GMO dairy ingredients.
However, the word is out for consumers about the untold risks to many of the foods we eat every day. And, we are just beginning to scratch the surface of the dangers to exposure to RoundUp and glyphosate.
DrugNews is closely following the current litigation against Monsanto by thousands of farmers, agriculture workers and anyone exposed to the substance that has developed non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma.
For more on the current Roundup lawsuit 2017, or to speak directly with a lawyer, contact us today.
Sources:
Strom, S. Traces of Controversial Herbicide Are Found in Ben & Jerry’s Ice Cream. The New York Times. (July 25, 2017). Retrieved from www.nytimes.com
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